"I want to speak to you," he said, "about a bit of business." "You may have noticed, sir, that we are somewhat short of provisions, and the way of it is this.

The night before we sailed, hoping to make a bold stroke at the card-table and thereby fit out my vessel in a manner suitable to the entertainment of a gentleman and ladies, I lost every penny I had.

I did hope that our provisions would last us a few days longer, but I am disappointed, sir.

That cook of mine, who is a soft-hearted fellow, his neck always ready for the heel of a woman, has thrown overboard even the few stores we had left for you, the good Dame Charter having told him they were not fit to eat.

And more, sir, even my men are grumbling.